
The Pfister Hotel
Best for classic downtown Milwaukee stays, meetings, and guests who want an on-site full-service spa and skyline/lake views.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Pfister Hotel is a historic, full-service downtown Milwaukee landmark with Victorian-era character, four dining venues, a 23rd-floor indoor pool, and an on-site WELL Spa + Salon — good for travelers who want a central city stay with historic character and spa access. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Racine Harbourwalk is a Hilton-brand full-service hotel in Racine on the Lake Michigan waterfront — read this if you want a lakeside, conference-friendly property a short drive south of Milwaukee.
Updated · about 37 km apart (roughly 23 miles)

Best for classic downtown Milwaukee stays, meetings, and guests who want an on-site full-service spa and skyline/lake views.

Best for travelers who want a waterfront Racine base with conference space, marina access, and easy walking access to lakefront attractions.
When The Pfister Hotel wins: pick The Pfister if you want a landmark downtown address, multiple hotel-run restaurants and bars (including a 23rd-floor lounge with lake views), an established spa (WELL Spa + Salon) and a larger, historic-event/ballroom footprint for weddings or big meetings.
When Doubletree wins: pick Doubletree by Hilton Racine Harbourwalk if you need a more compact lakeside hotel with marina access, convenient on-site conference space (4,000 sq ft), an indoor pool and straightforward, family-friendly rooms close to Racine’s downtown and waterfront attractions.
Bottom line: both are Hilton-family alternatives serving different needs — The Pfister is the Milwaukee downtown landmark with more dining, spa, and event depth; Doubletree Racine is a practical, lake-adjacent full-service hotel that suits regional meetings, waterfront walks, and simpler overnight stays.
| Category | The Pfister Hotel | Doubletree |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic downtown landmark, Victorian-era public spaces and polished lounges | Contemporary full-service Hilton-style hotel with a lakeside, working-marina feel |
| Location | Downtown Milwaukee near RiverWalk, theaters, museums and lakefront | Historic Downtown Racine, a 3-minute walk from Lake Michigan and marina |
| Size (rooms) | 307 guestrooms including 82 suites | 121 guestrooms |
| Pools | Indoor pool on the 23rd floor with Lake Michigan views; family-friendly pool options noted | Indoor pool (wheelchair-accessible); pool hours published by property |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues: Mason Street Grill, Café at the Pfister, Lobby Lounge, Blu (23rd-floor) | One on-site restaurant and a snack bar/deli plus a bar/lounge |
| Spa & wellness | WELL Spa + Salon on site (11 treatment rooms, appointment-only) | Not published |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive — >25,000 sq ft with large ballrooms (Grand Ballroom 9,000 sq ft, Imperial Ballroom ~6,000 sq ft) | Conference space ~4,000 sq ft with meeting rooms and banquet hall |
| Accessibility & family policy | Family-friendly property; children welcome; spa/fitness have age limits | Family-friendly; wheelchair-accessible public areas and meeting spaces |
| Parking & transport | Self-parking and valet available for a surcharge; EV charging station | |
| Known for | Historic architecture, downtown access, spa and 23rd-floor pool/views | Waterfront location, marina access, practical conference facilities |
The Pfister sits in downtown Milwaukee within easy walking distance of cultural sites and the lakefront.
Choose The Pfister for immediate downtown access to Milwaukee’s cultural and nightlife options.
Doubletree Racine Harbourwalk places you in Racine’s historic downtown a few minutes on foot from Lake Michigan.
Choose Doubletree if you want a lakeside Racine location with easy walking access to the waterfront.
The Pfister offers a broad range of room types and many suites across a historic property.
Pick The Pfister for more suite options and historic-room character in downtown Milwaukee.
Doubletree offers standard Hilton-brand room types including accessible rooms and marina-view options.
Pick Doubletree for straightforward, accessible rooms and marina-view options near Racine’s waterfront.
The Pfister runs several distinct food and drink venues covering casual to upscale dining.
The Pfister suits travelers who want multiple on-site dining and bar options without leaving the hotel.
Doubletree provides one main restaurant, a snack bar/deli and a bar/lounge for simple on-site dining.
Doubletree is fine for dependable hotel dining and quick lakefront meals but has fewer on-site venues.
The Pfister’s signature pool sits on the 23rd floor with lake and skyline views.
The Pfister’s elevated indoor pool is a city-view amenity rather than a beachside swim.
Doubletree is located steps from Lake Michigan and a short walk from marina, giving direct waterfront access.
Choose Doubletree if being close to the lake and marina is a priority.
The Pfister offers a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness center next to the spa.
The Pfister is the stronger pick if on-site spa treatments and hotel-run evening lounges matter to you.
Doubletree provides 24-hour fitness facilities and neighborhood evening options near the lakefront.
Doubletree covers basic wellness needs on site and connects you to Racine’s local dining and evening scene.

The Pfister — WELL Spa + Salon with 11 treatment rooms and a Turkish bath offers deeper in-house spa services.

Doubletree Racine — a short walk to Lake Michigan and Reef Point Marina puts you closer to the shoreline.

The Pfister — over 25,000 sq ft of event space including a 9,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom and multiple ballrooms.

Doubletree Racine — offers about 4,000 sq ft of conference/meeting space in a purpose-built package.
The Pfister — it’s downtown Milwaukee, within walking distance of theaters, dining districts, and museums, plus on-site lounges with live music.
Doubletree Racine — the hotel is a few minutes’ walk from Lake Michigan and near marina and waterfront parks.
The Pfister lists both a 23rd-floor indoor pool and notes a small family-friendly pool option; Doubletree has an indoor pool and is family-friendly. Check each hotel for specific pool rules and hours.
For large, formal events choose The Pfister (extensive ballrooms); for mid-size meetings near the lake choose Doubletree (about 4,000 sq ft of conference space).
Explore how The Pfister Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·